AS TALKS swirled around a deal that could bring peace to Ukraine, the Ukrainian community in Scotland gathered on a night of sombre reflection.
The two-and-a-half-hour Ukraine Forever concert last week marked the three-year anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine, with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) putting on the event at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh.
Produced and hosted by Matthew Zajac, it beautifully captured their defiance and diamond-like resolve.
He put together the concert to mark “the third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion, to boost morale and maintain the plight of Ukraine in the public imagination”, he explained.
It wove together the traditions and arts of both Ukraine and Scotland with whimsical dance performances by Kvity Ukraini and the upbeat tunes of the Old Blind Dogs.
The moments of joy were broken up by reminders of why people were there; families displaced or torn apart, loved ones gone.
As Scottish author James Robertson expressed through the performance of his short story, we were there to remember the “Ghosts of Ukraine”.
Through music, dance and messages from the frontline, it was clear what it was about them that provided the impetus to resist the waves of Russian aggression.
Since the beginning of the war, Scotland has accepted 27,000 Ukrainian refugees under the Scottish “Super Sponsor Scheme”.
Andrii Madzianovskyi, Consul of Ukraine in Edinburgh, told us: “It is very difficult to live far from home, it’s very difficult not to have complete families, because most with families here are wives without husbands, children without fathers, most of the fathers are now on battlefields.
“My country is very grateful for the co-operation of the Scottish Government, we will never forget the Scottish Super Sponsor Programme, we believe it was one of the most effective programmes in Europe, because without their support it would be impossible.
“The concert is a little thing that we can return back to them, a little bit of our kindness.”
That same evening, talk of a rare earth minerals deal brokered between Ukraine and the US was gathering pace.
It had come about as the new Trump administrations opened dialogue with Russia, kickstarting peace negotiation.
This was before Trump’s widely condemned belitting of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office – but for the many Ukrainians living in Scotland, it already felt like a betrayal. A common refrain was referring to the negotiations as a “dogovornjak”.
The sentiment was conveyed by Father Kren, Ukrainian parish priest in Edinburgh: “We do not see this as a peace deal, we are referring to this as dogovornjak, Ukrainian slang meaning an agreement between to criminals on how to split up territory.”
Ever since the war began, the Ukrainians have been promised unwavering support “for as long as its takes” from Nato and its western allies.
But as the political winds turned in America so did the fortunes of Ukraine; In the eyes of the newly elected president Trump, Ukraine was now the aggressor and Putin the victim. This has put the Ukrainians in an unfavourable position as its former ally befriends their enemy.
This beleaguered feeling was echoed at the Ukraine Forever concert.
Without directly referencing the negotiations, it was clear that the Ukrainian community felt an unease with the current situation but were far from deflated.
Zajac said: “I think the overriding feeling of the Ukrainians right now is a mixture of uncertainty, anger and resolve.
“Uncertainty due to the destabilisation of the alliance supporting Ukraine; anger at the way Trump is embracing Putin; and resolve to resist a Russian-US carve-up of Ukraine.
“Of course, Ukrainians want peace. They always did. But not at any cost.”
Madzianovskyi went on: “This is not only a war for territory, but also a war for the people. We need people, we need to save the country, and we need to save freedom.
“Of course, we all need peace, humanity needs peace, it’s human nature to live in peace.
“Russia came to our land, killed our people, our children, our warriors; we are on our land. How can we forgive this? I don’t know.
“12,000 civilians killed, 600 of them children. The price of peace is the highest price, it’s the lives of our countrymen, the lives of people killed. This is the price for peace.”
Even if the peace they desire is achieved, many do not feel ready to return home.
“I think the majority of conversations are on how to remain in the UK; many Ukrainians have integrated into the Scottish society,” Father Kren added.
“We share a lot in common with Scotland, we share a similar mentality, we are both passionate and honest people that put a focus on family connections.”
Madzianovskyi went on: “We see approximately 100 people every day, they all need support, they need help.
“There are many problems, which I divide into two categories. First category is domestic problems, such as social services, tenancy, search for jobs, search for schools.
“The second problem is psychological problems; they are worried for their future; they don’t know what future is waiting for them.
“Our community is split into two parts, some don’t build long-term plans, they are waiting for the end of war and have a desire to return home. Others want to build their futures here.”
Speaking about the Ukrainian Children living in Scotland, he said: “This is a new generation, and this generation has adapted so well and so fast, and the majority of parents want them to finish their education here.
“But we mustn’t forget that the children lost their friends, some of their friends still live in Ukraine, especially in the first year it was a crucial psychological problem for them.”
“The children, or the youth want to return, but the older generation are more unsure and will make their decision based on their kids,” Kren continued.
Zajac affirmed: “Of course Ukrainians want to return to their homes, if they still exist, but for the refugee diaspora, their country remains unsafe.”
As talks continue, it can be easy to forget the ongoing hurt – and they haven’t even started contemplating the healing process.
The UK Government recently announced an extension to the Ukraine entry visa scheme for a further 18 months, which for now gives them some security.
But peace talks have raised concerns over the future of this scheme and what it would mean for the Ukrainian community living in the country.
The consult highlighted that he often gets asked why the UK Government have only extend our visa for only year and a half.
These concerns were echoed by Kren: “It’s not easy after a period of three years being given support, just to be told there isn’t a 100% chance of support anymore.
“Some are worried that once the scheme ends, they will lose their right to remain and any claim to support from the UK.
“I have big hope that after three years the Scottish people have enough personal experience with Ukrainians, whether it’s because we are neighbours, pupils, colleagues or friends, that they don’t give up on us.”
Overall, the Ukrainian community remains hopeful, not that Trump’s peace deal will work, but that their resolve, like it has throughout history, will keep the fires of Ukrainian identity burning for generations to come.
Madzianovskyi optimistically concluded: “The sky has the blackest clouds before the sunrise. We believe the sky has more black cloud right now and after that their will only be light.”
